Amusement device for animals

ABSTRACT

A toy utilized to amuse and train dogs includes a body designed in a variety of configurations which may be attractive to a dog. A plurality of recording/playback devices are embedded in the body. The recording/playback devices are pressure activated such that the application of force on the toy by the dog will cause the devices to emit a pre-recorded message.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/276,178, filed Mar. 16, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to amusement devices. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a device capable of amusing and training a pet dog, which device does not require the presence of a human.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] The adage that a dog is man's (and woman's) best friend has stood the test of time and is universally accepted. Unfortunately, in the hectic, rush-rush modern world there are times when an owner cannot devote time and attention necessary to play with and train his/her pet dog. Often the dog must be left alone in a dwelling (house or apartment) and forced to devise its own amusement. At times, such amusement may result in damage to the dwelling and/or furnishings therein. A toy which would function to entertain the dog, provide a form of audible training direction (in the owner's voice) and not require the owner's presence would certainly be a welcome addition to the art.

[0006] Toys that include mechanisms which produce audible sounds are well known in the art. Many of these toys are provided with recording/playback capability. Examples of such toys are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,145 (Vandis), U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,871 (Noto), U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,282 (Ting), U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,514 (Lacombe et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,172 (Basile), U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,231 (Leyser) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,987 (Belin et al.). While suitable for children, none of the instant inventions is rugged enough to sustain the playful onslaught of a dog.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,436 (Coombs et al.) discloses an exercise and amusement device for a dog. The device houses an audio unit which will emit sounds when the dog performs a pulling function on a certain portion of the device. This device is restrictive in that it requires the dog to perform a specific function on one specific part of the device. Also, the device of the instant patent must remain stationary.

[0008] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to disclose a rugged, mobile and versatile toy for a dog which will subsequently be described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a toy designed especially to amuse and train dogs. Plural audio devices of the recording/playback type are embedded in the toy, which toy is attractive to the dog. When activated, the audio devices will emit a pre-recorded message. The audio devices are pressure sensitive. Thus, pressure on the toy in an area where a particular one of the devices is embedded will cause that device to play back the message recorded thereon. The pressure may be applied by the jaws of the dog while biting the toy or from the dog's paw as it playfully pummels the toy. Pre-recorded messages in the owner's own voice such as “good boy, Taz” or “I love you, Taz” can comfort the dog even though the owner is not present. Messages such as “sit” or “roll over” can contribute to the dog's training regimen. As contemplated, the toy will be fabricated in various sizes to accommodate large, medium and small breeds.

[0010] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an amusement and training device for animals, and especially dogs.

[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide an amusement and training device for animals, which device is capable of playing back a pre-recorded message upon being activated by a force exerted by the animal.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide an amusement and training device for an animal, which device may be utilized by the animal without requiring the presence of a person.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide an amusement and training device for an animal which is rugged and versatile.

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a pet's amusement and training device according to the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pet's amusement and training device in the form of a stuffed animal according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a front view of a pet's amusement and training device in the form of a bone according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pet's amusement and training device in the form of a slipper according to the present invention.

[0020] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 comprises a toy generally indicated at 10 designed to provide entertainment for an animal (especially a dog) even when the dog's owner is not present. Although shown as a sandwich (FIG. 1), stuffed animal (FIG. 2), bone (FIG. 3) and slipper (FIG. 4), it is obvious that the toy 10 may take on other designs that may be attractive to dogs. The outer surface 12 of the toy can be fabricated from any pliable material that can withstand the dog's playful gnawing and pawing without tearing or crumbling. Ordinary resilient stuffing 15 is utilized to fill the inside of the toy. Plural recording/playback devices 14 are embedded in the toy. As noted above, recording/playback devices 14 are pressure activated. Thus, devices 14 must be located close enough to the surface of the toy to be enabled by the force of the dog's jaws or paws applying pressure on the surface. Access doors (shown in phantom lines) may be provided so that devices 14 may be retrieved for maintenance or to re-record a message when desired. Devices 14 are conventional and are not, per se, part of the inventive concept. As contemplated, a different message may be recorded on each of the recording/playback devices 14. The plural locations will insure that one of the devices will be activated when the dog applies force to any area of the toy. Although indicated for use by a dog, it is evident that the invention may appeal to other pets and even small children.

[0022] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. claims 

I claim:
 1. An amusement and training device comprising: a body member, said body member having a continuous outer surface surrounding an inner volume; a resilient material, said resilient material disposed in said body member to fill said inner volume; a plurality of recording/playback devices; said recording/playback devices embedded in said resilient material adjacent said outer surface.
 2. The amusement and training device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of recording/playback devices are embedded at various locations in said resilient material.
 3. The amusement and training device according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of recording/playback devices are pressure activated.
 4. The amusement and training device according to claim 3, including access doors disposed on said outer surface for retrieval of said recording/playback devices.
 5. The amusement and training device according to claim 4, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a sandwich.
 6. The amusement and training device according to claim 4, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a stuffed animal.
 7. The amusement and training device according to claim 4, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a bone.
 8. The amusement and training device according to claim 4, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a slipper.
 9. An amusement and training device comprising: a body member, said body member having a continuous outer surface surrounding an inner volume; a resilient material, said resilient material disposed in said body member to fill said inner volume; a plurality of pressure-activated recording/playback devices; said plurality of pressure-activated recording/playback devices embedded in said resilient material adjacent said outer surface.
 10. The amusement and training device according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of pressure-activated recording/playback devices are embedded at various locations in said resilient material.
 11. The amusement and training device according to claim 10, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a sandwich.
 12. The amusement and training device according to claim 10, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a stuffed animal.
 13. The amusement and training device according to claim 10, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a bone.
 14. The amusement and training device according to claim 10, wherein said body member is configured to resemble a slipper. 